Chasing Hearts (Robert Chase x Reader)

Chapter 13

Chapter 13

Shifting currents

The quiet hum of the morning felt strangely comforting. You'd been waking up to this same routine for days now. The distant sound of footsteps outside your door told you that Chase had arrived early again, waiting like he always did. At first, it had been a subtle thing—an occasional wave as he passed, or a brief smile in the hallway. But soon enough, it became a fixture in your mornings. You had started to look forward to it, even if it was something you hadn't expected.

Chase leaned against the doorframe, glancing at his watch before meeting your eyes with that familiar soft smile. You raised an eyebrow.

"Have you been waiting long?"

He shrugged nonchalantly, the same way he always did when you asked. "Not really. Got used to the early mornings," he said casually, a hint of warmth in his tone.

You couldn't help but laugh lightly as you moved to grab your bag. It wasn't a surprise anymore, and you were beginning to think he had made this his unofficial routine—showing up at the same time every day, no matter how early. He didn't need to say much; his presence was enough.

You followed him outside, the sound of footsteps trailing behind as you headed for the streets When you reached his car, you paused for a moment. 

"I see we're not walking today?" you asked, raising an eyebrow.

Chase chuckled, sliding into the driver's seat. "No. Got a few errands to run after work."

That was the part that piqued your interest. You didn't ask for more details. You didn't really need to. But it was the first time in days that you noticed him so vague. Normally, he was open, telling you about his plans without hesitation, but today... it was different.

You slid into the passenger seat and buckled up, your curiosity lingering in the air between you two. Chase turned the ignition and pulled out of the parking lot, his hands steady on the wheel.

The hospital loomed ahead, its sterile white walls coming into view as you both settled into a comfortable silence. The city felt the same as always, buzzing with life and energy, but there was something unusual today—a quiet undercurrent that neither of you had yet addressed.

By the time you reached the hospital, the usual routine kicked in. You parted ways with Chase in the lobby, but there was no distance between you. You'd been working together for a while now, and the team's dynamic had shifted into something comfortable, something you could rely on. Chase had become an anchor, someone you could count on, both in and out of the hospital.

Inside, the usual bustle of the hospital carried on as normal. You made your way to the team's usual spot, exchanging quick greetings with Foreman and Cameron as you set your things down. They were already getting to work on the current case— possible Ascariasis, a parasitic infection that had been causing confusion with its symptoms. You'd been dealing with the case for days now, and while you hadn't figured out the whole picture, you could feel things starting to align.

Chase joined you a few moments later, leaning in to discuss some of the latest test results. His eyes were sharp, focused on the data before him, but there was an underlying softness when he spoke to you. A quiet reassurance.

As the team dove deeper into the case, you noticed House leaning in the doorway, arms crossed, watching them work. His usual sarcasm was on hold, but you could sense the frustration simmering beneath the surface.

"House back to making his grand entrance?" you teased quietly.

Chase shot you a glance, a slight smirk tugging at his lips. "Guess so," he muttered, his voice low. "The man's got a habit of showing up when the spotlight's on."